Wednesday, December 29, 2010

As I reflect on the past 12 months and wrap up 2010 I want to say this year has been incredible. It has been full of renewals, adventures, good friends, great food, amazing spa experiences, challenging opportunities and the daily highs and lows of a busy life.

I cherish and sorely miss my dear friends and colleagues who have left us and continue to support in whatever manor I can, those in need.

With so many things to celebrate this past year, one of my most favourite activities has been writing this Spa Girl blog and watching as Spa Girl fans increase in numbers on facebook. I have learned so much more about health and wellness from all the research I've done, and I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing this knowledge and hearing from you!

Spa Girl began with no specific long-term expectations. Rather it was a wonderful way to learn about blogging and explore, write and contribute to something I love to do--pamper a busy lifestyle! Women especially seem to take care of so many others and often forget to look after themselves--I have surely been guilty of this and Spa Girl has helped, at least for me and I hope others, remember to take the time to take care of my own wellbeing.

The Spa experience is one of many adventures in self discovery. History tells us that we are not alone, from the very beginning of time people have enjoyed the restorative powers and therapeutic effects of healing waters; so as we celebrate the start of another year, remember Spa Girls motto: Relax, Rejuvenate, and Restore!

Monday, December 27, 2010

The best way I could think of celebrating the finale of an incredible year was to head back to Sparkling Hill Resort and Wellness Spa for a two day couples get-away. It is divine to have such an exquisite spa so close to home, not to mention located in the spectacular countryside, dotted with lakes and vineyards and punctuated by stunning mountains of Vernon, British Columbia.

Sparkling Hill celebrates whole body health and wellness inside and out. It offers over 100 of some of the best traditional European and transformative spa treatments to restore and revitalize the entire body--so watch out for many more blogs from this heavenly spa. Lead by sensitive professionals who embrace a holistic approach to health and wellness, Sparkling Hill aims to personalize your specific needs and enhance your overall well-being. Once again I left this magnificent resort feeling relaxed, cleansed and with an new sense of vigour!

This time along with a side-by-side couples massage, I enjoyed an amazing facial, while my husband had his first pedicure. He is a runner with runners feet, and his feet have never looked better. I must say, he is a trooper, I once talked him into climbing into an old fashion steam box before diving into a sea weed bath in Ireland, next it will be a facial!

I opted for the Vitamin Enriched Hydra Facial (75 minutes / $155) which is finely tuned with antioxidants providing deep moisturizing benefits which are great for repairing damaged dry skin. While I generally keep out of the sun, my skin is prone to be dry from the arid climate I live in, so this treatment was ideal. The first 15+ minutes of the session was cleansing my face and removing impurities with several wonderful smelling products including a gentle but powerful cleanser enriched with a combination of Rose Hip Seed Oil, Olive Oil Castile, Seaweed, and Oil of Kumquat, all under a temperate plume of steam. Hot towels and free-radical fighting agents of Vitamin C, CoQ10, Red Tea and Vitamin E followed. As usual, I was so relaxed I fell asleep several times and when I left the treatment room I was definitely in a world all of my own, and my face felt fabulous, it was brighter, and had the texture of warm soft butter. Several days later it is still soft and supple--this might be the best facial I have ever had!

Sparkling Hill’s KurSpa endorses the Professional Solutions® line of products (formulated, tested and made exclusively for Plastic Surgeons, Dermatologists, Medi-Spas and Professional Medical Skin Care Dispensers) around the world. Considered a breakthrough in skin rejuvenation, the products are used extensively to correct dehydration, aging pigmentation and oily or acne prone skin. These products are natural and free from synthetic chemicals, fragrances and preservatives, and contain active ingredients in the purest form to provide the most ideal results.

The palatial KurSpa is busy so make sure to book your appointments well in advance of your stay. In addition there are a number of wonderful complimentary KurSpa treats such as:

• Unlimited and exclusive access during hours of operation to the 7 unique aromatherapy sauna and steam rooms

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Always interested in trying out a new spa adventure, I checked out Spa Pure, now located in four cities--Langley, Kelowna, Pitt Meadows and the newly opened location in Kamloops, British Columbia.

The brain child of two thirty-some year old sisters, Spa Pure is all about bringing the spa experience to everyone.

As they say...

Spa Pure is a new concept spa with the hope of being able to allow every single person to enjoy and relax in a beautiful and luxurious spa atmosphere. The Spa Pure prices are based on what the average income person can afford on a regular basis. We believe that the relaxation which is achieved at Spa Pure promotes a healthier way of life, and that no one should be deprived of good health and wellness.

I of course enjoy my typical combo of a 90 minute relaxation massage and hour long facial and decided, at the last minute, to also have my legs waxed, which cost in total (with tax) $140. Indeed a very good price!

Several of the certified estheticians who work at this Spa Pure location were recent graduates from a local school and are very capable.

The Spa was clean and comfortable and their products were organic, however I would not say it was "luxurious". The treatment rooms and relaxation room were on the small side and the spa did not have all the amenities I like in a Spa such as the water features, steam, baths and Vichy Shower. I asked the esthetician about tool sterilization and she said it was excellent.

I think for those looking for an affordable spa treatment in a comfortable simple environment, Spa Pure is ideal.

Spa Girls Blog

I created the SPA GIRL blog in 2009 because I wanted to share my spa experiences.
I am a big fan of aromatherapy,
thalassotherapy, spa cuisine and history.
I love to pamper myself, inside and out! And why not? I work hard, travel a lot and find the spa experience exciting each and every time.
Since the beginning of history, people have resorted to springs, baths, and spas for the therapeutic effects and power of their healing waters. Today the Spa experience has expanded to include so many ways to live a happy, healthy, holistic lifestyle.
Relax, rejuvenate, and restore: that’s Spa Girl's motto.
Spa Girl covers a number of my interests including: aromatherapy, home spa treatments, spa modalities, feel good tips, spa destinations, natural products and spa foods.
Spa Girl is also on facebook where in addition to my blogs I post links to other spa writers, spa reviews and tips.
I have studied aromatherapy for a number of years and create my own salt scrubs, bath oils, soaps and skin creams.
I am an avid researcher and love to research all aspects of the spa industry, study and of course try every spa experience there is.
My other passion is art museums.